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United States Patent |
5,123,468
|
Mater, Jr.
|
June 23, 1992
|
Cover for vehicle window
Abstract
A removable cover for mounting over the exterior of a vehicle window is
provided. The cover is formed from a flexible sheet material having a
central portion sized and shaped to substantially cover the window and at
least two, integral clamping portions at opposite ends of the central
portion. The clamping portions are disposed for capture between a door and
door frame of the vehicle. The cover also includes a cut-out hand hold in
each clamping portion. A handle grip body is mounted to each clamping
portion. Each handle grip body includes a face of sufficiently large
dimension to engage the door and door frame so as not to pull through
between them when the door is closed. In the portions of the sheet
material that transition between the central portion and the clamping
portions there are provided windows, for visualizing the door frame, and
rubber spacers. The windows aid in properly placing the cover on the
vehicle windows while the rubber spacers prevent the sheet material from
rubbing on the door frame as the clamping portions are positioned between
the doors and door frames.
Inventors:
|
Mater, Jr.; Robert F. (Lexington, KY)
|
Assignee:
|
Ultraviolet, Ltd. (Lexington, KY)
|
Appl. No.:
|
702288 |
Filed:
|
May 20, 1991 |
Current U.S. Class: |
150/168; 160/370.21; 296/95.1 |
Intern'l Class: |
B60J 001/20 |
Field of Search: |
150/166,167,168
160/370.2
296/95.1,136
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
2624406 | Jan., 1953 | Szychowski et al. | 160/370.
|
3042111 | Jul., 1962 | Wytovich | 150/168.
|
3923339 | Dec., 1975 | McDonald | 160/370.
|
4597608 | Jul., 1986 | Duffy | 296/95.
|
4635993 | Jan., 1987 | Hooper et al. | 150/168.
|
4726406 | Feb., 1988 | Weatherspoon | 150/168.
|
4903748 | Feb., 1990 | Foraker | 160/370.
|
4966405 | Oct., 1990 | Tremaine et al. | 160/370.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
525202 | May., 1956 | CA | 160/370.
|
674216 | Nov., 1963 | CA | 150/168.
|
1559176 | Jan., 1980 | GB | 150/166.
|
2184701 | Jul., 1987 | GB | 296/95.
|
Primary Examiner: Elkins; Gary E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: King & Schickli
Claims
I claim:
1. A removable cover adapted for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle
window, comprising:
a flexible sheet material having a central position sized and shaped to
substantially cover the window and at least two clamping portions at
opposite ends of said central position, each of said clamping portions
being disposed for capture between a door and door frame of said vehicle
for holding said cover in position;
handle means for manipulating said cover on each of said clamping portions,
each of said handle means including a cut out hand hold in said sheet
material forming said clamping portion and each of said handle means being
separately formed and further including a handle grip body attached to
said clamping portion; and
stop means on said handle means for engaging said door and door frame when
said clamping portions are disposed therebetween so as to prevent
unauthorized removal of said cover.
2. The removable cover set forth in claim 1, wherein said stop means is a
face of said handle grip body having a dimension sufficiently large so as
to engage said door and door frame and not pull-through between them.
3. The removable cover set forth in claim 1, wherein said handle grip body
includes a pair of interconnected body halves having a section of said
sheet material of said clamping portion captured therebetween.
4. The removable cover set forth in claim 1, further including viewing
means provided in portions of said sheet material that transition between
said central body and each of said clamping portions, said viewing means
being positioned over said door frame when said cover is properly
positioned on said window.
5. The removable cover set forth in claim 1, further including spacer means
for holding said cover in place and preventing said cover from pulling
across the door frame of the vehicle, said spacer means being provided in
portions of said sheet material that transition between said central body
and each of said clamping portions, said spacer means being positioned in
engagement with said door frame when said cover is properly positioned on
said window.
6. The removable cover set forth in claim 5, wherein said spacer means are
rubber grommets that space said sheet material from said door frame and
prevent it from rubbing on said door frame as said clamping portions are
positioned between said doors and door frames.
7. The removable cover set forth in claim 1 wherein said clamping portions
have a reduced transverse dimension relative to said central portion and
overcut notches are formed in said central portion in line with each
peripheral side edge of said clamping portions so as to allow said central
portion to lie down against the window to be covered while said clamping
portions are wrapped around and over said door frame for capture by said
doors.
8. A removable cover adapted for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle
window, comprising:
a flexible sheet material having a central portion sized and shaped to
substantially cover the window and at least two clamping portions at
opposite ends of said central portion, each of said clamping portions
being disposed for capture between a door and door frame of said vehicle
for holding said cover in position;
handle means for manipulating said cover on each of said clamping portions;
viewing means provided on portions of said sheet material that transition
between said central body and each of said clamping portions, said viewing
means being positioned over said door frame when said cover is properly
positioned on said window; and
stop means on said handle means for engaging said door and door frame when
said clamping portions are disposed therebetween so as to prevent
unauthorized removal of said cover.
9. A removable cover adapted for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle
window; comprising:
a flexible sheet material having a central portion sized and shaped to
substantially cover the window and at least two clamping portions at
opposite ends of said central portion, each of said clamping portions
being disposed for capture between a door and door frame of said vehicle
for holding said cover in position;
handle means for manipulating said cover on each of said clamping portions;
rubber grommets for holding said cover in place and preventing said cover
from pulling across the door frame of the vehicle provided in portions of
said sheet material that transition between said central body and each of
said clamping portions, said rubber grommets being positioned in
engagement with said door frame when said cover is properly positioned on
said window; and
stop means on said handle means for engaging said door and door frame when
said clamping portions are disposed therebetween so as to prevent
unauthorized removal of said cover.
10. A removable cover adapted for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle
window by capture between a door and door frame of said vehicle,
comprising:
a flexible sheet material having a central portion sized and shaped to
substantially cover the window and at least two clamping portions at
opposite ends of said central portion, said clamping portions each having
a reduced transverse dimension relative to said central portion;
overcut notches formed in said central portion in line with each peripheral
side edge of said clamping portions so as to allow said central portion to
lie down against the window to be covered while said clamping portions are
wrapped around and over said door frame for capture by said doors, each of
said clamping portions being disposed for capture between said door and
door frame of said vehicle for holding said cover in position;
handle means for manipulating said cover on each of said clamping portions;
and
stop means on said handle means for engaging said door and door frame when
said clamping portions are disposed therebetween so as to prevent
unauthorized removal of said cover.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to vehicle accessories and more
particularly, to a flexible cover or shield adapted for placement over the
exterior surface of a vehicle window, such as the windshield. The cover
protects the windshield from various environmental factors including the
buildup of frost, snow, ice and dirt. The cover is also adapted to reflect
sunlight thereby substantially preventing the penetration of ultraviolet
light and the buildup of heat in the interior of the vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED PRIOR ART
It has long been known to utilize covers for vehicles to protect the
vehicles from various environmental factors including rain, frost, snow,
ice, dirt and sunlight. Examples of such devices particularly adapted for
application to the windshield of a vehicle include, for example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 2,599,066 to Osborne; 2,646,118 to Berty; 4,635,993 to Hooper et al.;
and 4,790,591 to Miller.
Of these windshield covers or screens, the ones disclosed in the Osborne,
Berty and Hooper et al. patents cover the exterior surface of the
windshield. Accordingly, these covers are particularly effective in
preventing frost, snow and ice from building up on the windshield in the
winter. They are also effective in blocking sunlight and at least a
portion of the ultraviolet radiation associated therewith from penetrating
the interior of the vehicle. As such, in the summer months these covers
function to lower heat buildup within the interior of the vehicle. They
also reduce damage to interior vehicle components due to extended
application of ultraviolet radiation over time.
The covers are also equipped with various mechanisms to prevent theft. For
example, the Hooper et al. device incorporates a beaded end flap. More
particularly, with the vehicle door open, the end flap is folded around
the door frame. The door of the vehicle is then closed so that the beaded
end of the flap is held in the interior of the vehicle. Advantageously,
since the beaded end is of sufficient dimension so as to engage the door
and door frame rather than pull through between them, the cover cannot be
stolen from a locked vehicle unless the end flap is cut or the vehicle
door is opened such as by jimmying.
While numerous windshield screens or covers of varying design are available
in the marketplace, a need for improvements still exists. More
specifically, many are inconvenient to utilize. For example, many are
difficult to properly position on the window and are difficult to properly
hold in position on the window while being secured to the vehicle to
prevent theft. Additionally, many of the covers of the type disclosed in
Hooper et al. including end flaps that are folded around the door frame
and closed within the vehicle door tend to damage paint in the area of the
door frame over time. This results from the rubbing action of the flexible
material of the cover which can effectively buff the paint from the
underlying metal. A need is therefore identified for a vehicle windshield
screen or cover of improved design addressing these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a
vehicle window cover overcoming the above-described limitations and
disadvantages of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle window
cover made from lightweight, durable material for user convenience and
long service life. Preferably, the face of the cover may be printed with
an aesthetically pleasing pattern and/or promotional graphics.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle window
screen constructed of flexible material that substantially prevents
ultraviolet radiation of the sun from entering through the covered
windshield and degrading the components of the vehicle interior including,
for example, the plastic dashboard.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle
window cover including handles of molded plastic for ease in handling the
vehicle cover when carrying and for ease in manipulation of the vehicle
cover when positioning over the window. Advantageously, the handles are
also formed with a cross section of sufficient dimension so as to prevent
pulling through the space between the door and door frame when the door of
the vehicle is closed. When the door is locked this serves to discourage
theft of the window cover.
As a further object of the present invention the vehicle window cover
incorporates viewing windows to further aid an individual in positioning
the cover in proper alignment over the window when in use.
As an additional object, the apparatus also incorporates spacers in the
form of rubber grommets that may be utilized to hold the cover in place
while closing the vehicle doors over the ends that secure the cover in
position. Advantageously, the grommets prevent the cover from pulling
across the door frame and buffing or rubbing off the vehicle paint over
time.
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention
will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the
following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The
objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by
means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out
in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the
purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved
apparatus is provided for covering or screening the window of a vehicle
from various environmental factors. More particularly, the removable
vehicle window cover of the present invention is adapted for mounting on
the exterior of a vehicle window. The removable cover comprises a flexible
sheet material having a central portion that is sized and shaped to
substantially cover the window and at least two clamping portions at
opposite ends of the central portion. Each of the clamping portions is
disposed for capture between a door and door frame of the vehicle. When so
captured, the removable cover is held in position over the window.
To aid in manipulation of the vehicle cover, handles are provided on each
clamping portion. Each handle includes an integral stop for engaging the
door and door frame when the associated clamping portion is disposed
therebetween. This serves to prevent unauthorized removal of the cover
from the window of the vehicle.
More particularly, each handle is provided in the form of a grip body. Each
grip body includes a pair of interconnected body halves. The handles are
mounted at each end of the removable cover. More particularly, the body
halves include cooperating pins and mounting sockets that are
interconnected with a portion of the flexible sheet material of the
clamping portion disposed and held therebetween.
Preferably, each handle is mounted adjacent a handhold cut in the flexible
sheet material. A first pair of pins and sockets are provided at one side
of the handle and extended through the handhold. A second pair of pins and
cooperating sockets are mounted at the other side of the handle and are
interconnected just beyond the outer periphery of the end edge of the
flexible material.
Advantageously, at least one face of each handle has a dimension
sufficiently large so as to engage the door and door frame and not pull
through between them when the door is closed and the clamping portion
extends therebetween. Thus, by locking the vehicle door it is possible to
secure the window cover to the vehicle and thereby prevent theft absent
the thief breaking into the vehicle. While it should also be realized that
the thief could cut the cover adjacent the point where it is received and
extends through the space between the door and door frame, this
essentially renders the device useless. Accordingly, theft is effectively
prevented.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the
removable cover also includes viewing windows provided in the two portions
of the sheet material that transition between the central body and each of
the clamping portions. In positioning the cover on the window of the
vehicle, the viewing windows are positioned over the upright or door frame
pillar at the end of the windshield. Since the cover is customized to the
vehicle and windshield on which it is being placed, this convenient means
of positioning insures that the cover is properly positioned on the window
before either of the clamping portions is captured between the door and
door frame.
The removable cover also includes a spacer element, in the form of at least
one and preferably two rubber grommets that are also provided in the
portions of the sheet material that transition between the central body
and each of the clamping portions. Accordingly, it should be appreciated
that the rubber grommets are positioned in engagement with the door frame
pillar when the cover is properly positioned and seated on the window.
Advantageously, the rubber grommets serve to space the sheet material from
the door frame pillar and prevent it from rubbing on the pillar as the
clamping portions are positioned between the doors and door frames.
Additionally, the rubber grommets provide a convenient means of
identifying the position to hold the cover down against the vehicle as the
individual doors are closed to clamp the clamping portions in position.
Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent
to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there
is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by
way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the
invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other
different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification
in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part of the
specification, illustrates several aspects of the present invention, and
together with the description serves to explain the principles of the
invention. In the drawing:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the removable cover of the
present invention positioned on the exterior surface of a window of a
vehicle;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary interior view showing the removable cover and
vehicle of FIG. 1 including the clamping portions and handles held in the
interior of the vehicle by means of the closed doors against the door
frames;
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the removable window cover;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 showing the
connection of the body halves of one handle to the flexible sheet
material; and
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary front elevational view showing an alternative
embodiment of the invention including a clamping portion of reduced
transverse dimension and overcut notches at each side where joining to the
central portion of the sheet material.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of
the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying
drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is now made to the drawing figures showing the improved removable
cover 10 of the present invention for covering the exterior surface of a
vehicle window such as a windshield W. The cover 10 is formed from a
flexible sheet material such as a metalized film laminated to polyethylene
or plastic film (e.g. Mylar). More particularly, the cover 10 is cut so as
to be sized and shaped to cover a particular window of a vehicle upon
which the cover is to be utilized. Advantageously, the Mylar sheet
material is strong and durable so as to provide a long service life. It
also is adapted to reflect ultraviolet light thereby reducing the amount
of ultraviolet light that reaches the dashboard and other interior
components through the covered window. Accordingly, degradation of these
components over time as a result of ultraviolet light exposure is
significantly reduced.
As best shown in FIG. 3, this sheet material has a central portion 12 and
two integral clamping portions 14. One clamping portion 14 is provided at
each end of the central portion 12. A pair of viewing windows 16, such as
cut outs, are provided in the sheet material in the area of the
transitions between the central portion 12 and each clamping portion 14.
As described in greater detail below, and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
viewing windows 16 aid in properly positioning the screen 10 on the
vehicle window to be covered.
One or more spacers 18, such as the rubber or vinyl grommets shown in the
drawing figures, are also positioned in each portion of the sheet material
that transitions between the central portion 12 and clamping portions 14.
When the cover 10 is properly positioned over the windshield, the rubber
grommets 18 engage the door frame pillar P that extends between the
windshield and the door D. Advantageously, the grommets 18 serve to space
the Mylar sheet material of the cover 10 from the metal door frame pillars
P thereby preventing the sheet material from rubbing over/across and
buffing paint from the pillar during placement or as a result of buffeting
by high winds.
A handle 20 is mounted to each clamping portion 14. Each handle 20 is
formed from a pair of handle grip bodies molded, for example of ABS
plastic. As shown in FIG. 4, the two handle grip body halves are connected
together by pins 22 on one body half that are received in cooperating
sockets 24 on the other body half. As shown, the pins 22 and sockets 24
adjacent the front face 26 of the handle 20 are received through a cut-out
hand hold 28. This hand hold 28 is cut in the sheet material forming each
clamping portion 14. The pins 22 and sockets 24 adjacent the rear face 29
of the handle 20 are interconnected just beyond the outer end edge of the
sheet material. Thus, an integral strip 30 of sheet material is captured
in the handle 20, disposed between the handle halves. The handles 20 are
thereby secured in position.
An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment the
clamping portion 14 has a significantly reduced transverse dimension T
relative to the central portion 12. Overcut notches 32 are also provided
at each side of the clamping portion 14 where the clamping portion joins
the central portion 12. This embodiment is particularly adapted for use on
vehicles with high pillars P or rain gutters. More particularly, the
overcut notches 32 allow the end edge 34 of the central portion 12 to lie
under the edge of the pillar P for a closer fit to the window W while the
clamping portion 14 is still able to wrap over and around the pillar for
clamping in the door as described below in detail.
Advantageously, the cover 10 of the present invention is very easy to
utilize. First, the cover 10 is removed from its convenient storage
location such as the trunk, glovebox or under a seat of the vehicle. The
cover 10 is then unfolded or unrolled and spread across the windshield W.
With one of the vehicle's front doors open, the individual then positions
the viewing windows 16 and grommets 18 at one side of the cover 10
directly over the door frame pillar P between the windshield W and the
door D. The clamping portion 14 on that same side is then folded around
the door frame pillar P. Next, the individual presses his or her thumbs
down on the grommets 18 so as to hold the cover 10 in position while
maintaining the other fingers clear of the door as the door is closed with
a push from the torso or legs.
The same procedure is then followed on the other side of the vehicle to
secure the other clamping portion 14. Once completed, both clamping
portions 14 are held between the front doors D and door frames of the
vehicle. Additionally, the central portion 12 is held over the exterior of
the windshield W. As the central portion 12 is custom cut to the size and
shape of the vehicle windshield, the windshield W is fully covered. As
such, frost, snow, ice, dust and other environmental factors are prevented
from contacting and building up on the windshield W. Additionally, heat
and ultraviolet light are reflected away from the interior of the vehicle.
Advantageously, the resulting lower interior temperatures and lower
ultraviolet light levels significantly reduce the fatigue of interior
components over time. For example, cracking and blistering of dashboard
materials and any fading of the color of interior components from "sun
bleaching" are significantly reduced or even eliminated.
By locking all the vehicle doors, it should also be appreciated that theft
of the cover 10 is essentially prohibited. More particularly, the front
face 26 of the handles 20 are of significantly large dimension to engage
the door D and door frame of the vehicle thereby preventing the clamping
portion 14 at either end from pulling through between the door and door
frame and out of the vehicle interior.
When the vehicle operator returns to the vehicle, the screen may be easily
removed by simply opening both doors D and folding or rolling the cover 10
up for convenient storage. At all times, the handles 20 allow the cover 10
to be quickly and conveniently manipulated. Additionally, the durable
Mylar material is light in weight so that the cover 10 may be utilized
with little physical effort.
In summary, numerous benefits result from employing the concepts of the
present invention. Advantageously, the cover 10 is provided with handles
20 for ease in handling when carrying as well as for ease in manipulation
when positioning over the vehicle windshield. The handles 20 are also
advantageously formed with a cross section of sufficient dimension so as
to prevent them pulling through the space between the door and door frame
when the door of the vehicle is closed. Hence, when the doors are locked
this serves to discourage theft of the window cover 10. Additionally, the
cover 10 includes viewing windows 16 and spacers 18 in the form of rubber
grommets that serve to aid in the positioning of the cover in proper
alignment over the window when in use.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form
disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of
the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide
the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize
the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is
suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and
variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the
appended claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which they
are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
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